Each dish is decorated in the center with a five-clawed iron-red dragon amidst clouds enclosed by five carps swimming atop waves. The exterior is decorated with a band of similar green waves and the base is inscribed with an apocryphal Chenghua mark. 8 in. (20.3 cm.) diam. (2). Both have areas of misfiring, particularly to the green enamel; some minor surface scratches, consistent with age and use. One dish: - small chips to the rim - a small area of pulling to the glaze beneath the foot rim. Other dish: - a star crack on the base, visible on both sides - a hairline crack extending from the rim - small imperfection under the glaze, visible in cavetto. Estimation: USD 4,000 - 6,000

Provenance: Christie's East, New York, 30 November 1993, lot 437.

Christie's on line. The Art of China.